Hey guys, Just bought a 1956 Sunliner, my 2nd dive into the 50's Fords after selling my 56 Victoria. Current set up is a 312 and stock automatic transmission. Currently, the trans leaks pretty bad. I'm not talking a puddle here or there. Over night, it creates a stream that runs almost to the back of the car. I'm still digging into where the trans is leaking exactly. If I end up having to pull it to seal it up, I'm tempted to make an upgrade while it's out. Right now, I'm looking at something like the AOD. I love going on cruises that usually are around 2 hours down the highway. My Victoria had the 3 speed OD with a highway gear in the rear, and I absolutely loved it. Just currious what trans upgrade options are out there, and how much work goes into a swap? But for now, here's a quick peak at the new ride.
Many have done AOD’s and C4’s. AOD’s allow for a lower rear end for in town driving. Your std-od trans probably had a 4.11 rear. An AOD with a 56 automatic rear gear of 3.21 is a little high for an overdrive of .67. Your final ratio will be a 2.15 so you will probably be looking for a lower ratio. If you choose a C4 nothing will change from what you have other than starting out in low all the time unless you go to a higher rear end ratio which means a complete rear end change as 3.21 is it for a 56 Ford stock rear. I went to a 1962 Cruise-O-Matic because it was available to me and then added an 8.8 Ford rear end with 2.74 gears. I’m very happy with the out come. In town is fine and rpm on the freeways or open road is under 2500 at 75. I was able to keep my column shifter, which was a must for me, with a little ingenuity. My 8.8 is fitted with F-150 drum brakes which are the same 11” but 1/2” wider than the 56’s. The e-brake cables had one very minor change to work perfect. Every trans upgrade takes some “hot rodding”. With later transmissions the foot feed should be replaced with a cable unit either a factory later one or an aftermarket. Good luck and have fun with your great looking Sunliner
I really like the AOD in my 55 Sunliner, it worked great with the stock 3.31 rear. I have since switched to a 3.55 geared 8”, not much difference. I no longer have a Y block so can’t help with adaptation.
Well, I went with what IMHO was the best, however, most expensive option, a 97 470RW from a Crown Vic, with a stand alone Quik 4 controller. If I remember correctly, there are only 4 electrical connections/plug ins. Had the trans built to match my situation, behind a stroked y block and a dana wagon rear. Using a Bendtsen adapter and it included a new hi torque starter. Installation was straightforward, but this is a frame off so easy access. Still dont know about tunnel clearance but I've been told its tight but will work. Not on the road yet so I cant tell you how it will work out, controller not hooked in yet, but its built to be an everyday driver. The contoller offers so many features on its readout screen, plus you can set shift points, firmness, other features. My only real concern is if the stock 4r70 trans dipstick will interfere with the body as the adapter sets trans back about 1 1/2 inches. Bought a Lokar dipstick which was way too short not allowing easy access, so I had to search for the Crown Vic dipstick. Sorry I couldnt give you better info.
Thanks to recent inflation This was $995 six months ago now https://transmissioncenter.net/shop...d-transmission-on-a-ford-y-block-motor-fo301/
NIiiice! I'm currently restoring a 56 victoria.im leaving the 3 on the tree but putting a Hurst mystery 3 SPD SHIFTER IN THE FLOOR.
There is another option if your going to purchase an adapter and that is to install a GM Turbo 200R OD. It’s installation with a cable foot feed and an aftermarket TV cable is pretty straight forward. It has a small footprint so it it’s good on the tunnel clearance. Not sure on how you would handle your shifter as I would use the stock column, lengthening the arm for an extra detent. They are used in a lot of swaps today.
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